[MOVED] Finding the domain of a rational function

Jade

Junior Member
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Sep 16, 2006
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When finding the domain of a function that happens to be a fraction, the fraction would be < 0 RIGHT? So to find the domain of x-1/2x+3 you would say x-1/2x+3<0. The interval notation would be(-5, -infinity)?
 
Why would a rational function have to always be negative...?

Why would the domain of (x - 1)/(2x + 3) have an endpoint of x = -5, when it has a vertical asymptote only at x = -1.5?

How are you getting that -5 is somehow LESS THAN negative infinity? :shock:

I must be misunderstanding your meaning. Please clarify. Thank you.

Eliz.
 
Follow-up:

According to some other threads you have posted, it appears that somehow you have been put into a calculus course without ever having seen functions or function notation. It would probably be a good idea to have a serious heart-to-heart with your academic advisor regarding appropriate course placement, so that you can learn the necessary background material.

Regarding your specific question here, the domain of a function is any allowable x-value. To find the domain, the usual process is to locate any problems; the domain is everything else.

For instance, if the function were f(x) = sqrt[x], then, knowing that you cannot have negatives inside square roots, the domain of f would have been "x > 0". If the function were g(x) = 3/(x - 4), then, knowing that you cannot divide by zero, the domain would have been "any x not equal to 4". And so forth.

For in-depth instruction, please use a search engine to find lessons on functions, function notation, operations on functions, function composition, and domains of functions, as I'm afraid we are not able to replace the missing instruction within this environment.

Eliz.
 
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